| Emma Hale Smith Bidamon | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 1st President of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo | |
| March 17, 1842 – 1844 | |
| Called by | Joseph Smith |
| Successor | Eliza R. Snow |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Emma Hale July 10, 1804 Harmony Township, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | April 30, 1879 (aged 74) Nauvoo House, Nauvoo, Illinois, U.S. |
| Resting place | Smith Family Cemetery, Nauvoo 40°32′26″N 91°23′31″W / 40.5406°N 91.3920°W |
| Notable works | A Collection of Sacred Hymns Latter Day Saints' Selection of Hymns |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 11 (see Children of Joseph Smith) |
| Signature | |
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Emma Hale Smith Bidamon (July 10, 1804 – April 30, 1879) was a leader in the early Latter Day Saint movement and a prominent member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (RLDS Church) as well as the first wife of Joseph Smith, the movement's founder.[1] In 1842, when the Ladies' Relief Society of Nauvoo was formed as a women's service organization, she was elected by its members as the organization's first president.
After the killing of Joseph Smith, Emma remained in Nauvoo rather than following Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers to the Utah Territory. Emma was supportive of Smith's teachings throughout her life with the exception of plural marriage and remained loyal to her son, Joseph Smith III, in his leadership of the RLDS Church.[2]
- ^ a b Youngreen, Buddy (1982). Reflections of Emma: Joseph Smith's Wife. Grandin Book.
- ^ Newell & Avery 1984.